U.S.-American aircraft manufacturer Boeing has signed a purchase agreement with ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group for up to 80 new aircraft. It is the first agreement between the two companies and sees Avia Solutions taking delivery of 40 new 737-8 aircraft. Furthermore, the group holds purchase rights for an additional 40 aircraft.
Avia Solutions Group holds 11 air operator certificates (AOC), including Avion Express, Smartlynx, Klasjet, Air Explore, BBN, Ascend Airways and Skytrans. Most of the airlines are operating wet-lease flights for well-known airlines throughout Europe.
Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of Avia Solutions Group, commented: “As the world’s largest ACMI provider, carrying over 35 million passengers annually for our clients, we have committed to a strategic approach of expanding our capacity to meet our customers’ seasonal needs, and our first order with Boeing is a key pillar of this […] This is a proud moment for all of us at Avia Solutions Group and is testament to the fact that Avia Solutions Group is now entering a clear phase of sustained growth. These 737 MAXs will enhance the fleets of our airlines, giving their customers both operational flexibility and greater fuel efficiency.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, added: “ACMI providers such as Avia Solutions Group offer important, flexible capacity to meet the dynamic demand in our industry, and we are honored Avia has selected Boeing airplanes to help meet that demand from its customers […] By choosing the 737-8, Avia Solutions Group is aligning with its customers’ plans to operate increasingly fuel-efficient fleets that improve the passenger experience.”
The 737-8 can seat between 162 and 210 passengers, depending on configuration, and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). In addition to improved environmental performance for operators, 737 MAX passengers experience features designed to create a spacious, relaxing environment, including the Boeing Sky Interior and customisable LED lighting.
Source: boeing.mediaroom.com
